Longtime historian's efforts are recognized

Long a believer in the idea of cities preserving their history,
Berk has played an important part in identifying Escondido's
historic structures, while supporting efforts to preserve them.

Berk helped push the city's first historic preservation
ordinance, helped organize the first survey of Escondido's historic
architecture, played a big role in creating the library's Pioneer
Room, and served on both the city's Design Review Board and
Historic Preservation Commission, among other credits.

Now her efforts are being recognized beyond the city's borders.
Berk has been selected to receive the 2007 People in Preservation
Lifetime Achievement Award from the Save Our Heritage Organisation
in San Diego.

She'll receive the award at a May 19 ceremony at the Naval
Training Center Chapel.

"I'm pretty excited. It's such a great honor," said Berk, who
also counts a stint as Times Advocate and North County Times
librarian on her resume. "It didn't seem like much, but some of the
battles were pretty bloody. They weren't all won, but Escondido has
come a long way over the past 30 years in its respect for its built
history."

Berk was selected for the award by a jury of preservationists at
the heritage group.

"She has just had a lifelong dedication and passion for
history," said Amie Schaeffer, a member of the selection jury. "The
preservation people tend to stick together. She's very well-known
around here. … Everyone was in agreement that this is a long
overdue award to be given to her."

School salutes:
The best and brightest in San
Marcos schools will be saluted tonight at the Excellence in
Education & Scholarship Awards Ceremony. The city, Chamber of
Commerce and the school district partner for the sixth annual
awards, which recognize the teacher and classified employee of the
year at each of the district's 17 schools, as well as the student
of the year in every grade at each school. A total of 112 awards
will be presented, along with 14 student scholarships, including
the Desmond Family Scholarship and Award on behalf of the chamber,
presented by Mayor Jim Desmond.

General speaks:
The Escondido Library has
landed another big name from the touring authors circuit. Lt. Gen.
Mike De Long, second only to Gen. Tommy Franks at U.S. Central
Command during the early days of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq,
will discuss his two books at 7 p.m., Tuesday, May 15, at the
library. De Long wrote "Inside CentCom: The Unvarnished Truth About
the Wars in Afghanistan and Iraq" and "A General Speaks Out: The
Truth About the Wars in Afghanistan and Iraq." Admission to the
talk is free.